Human embryonic stem cell-derived CD15+ Isl-1+ progenitors

Human embryonic stem cell-derived CD15+ Isl-1+ progenitors are an investigational **allogeneic cardiac progenitor cell therapy** developed by Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris for severe ischemic heart failure. The product consists of approximately 5-10 million cardiovascular-committed progenitor cells generated from the I6 human embryonic stem cell line through directed differentiation, including bone morphogenetic protein-2 exposure and fibroblast growth factor receptor inhibition, followed by selection of CD15-positive cells. The cells are embedded in a fibrin scaffold and surgically implanted as an epicardial patch over infarcted myocardium during coronary artery bypass grafting or mitral valve surgery. In the ESCORT Phase 1 study, the approach showed technical feasibility and short- to medium-term safety without reported tumor formation or treatment-related arrhythmias; its intended therapeutic effect is myocardial repair and functional support through engraftment and paracrine activity of cardiac-lineage progenitor cells.

Other names

hESC-derived cardiovascular progenitor cellshuman embryonic stem cell-derived cardiac progenitorsSSEA-1+ Isl-1+ progenitors